5.27 Ensure 'Telnet (TlntSvr)' is set to 'Disabled' or 'Not Installed'

Information

Enables a remote user to log on to this computer and run programs, and supports various TCP/IP Telnet clients, including UNIX-based and Windows-based computers.

The recommended state for this setting is: 'Disabled' or 'Not Installed'.

Note: This service is not installed by default.

It is supplied with Windows, but is installed by enabling an optional Windows feature (_Telnet Server_).

Rationale:
Hosting a Telnet server (especially a non-secure Telnet server) from a workstation is an increased security risk, as the attack surface of that workstation is then greatly increased.

Note: This security concern applies to _any_ Telnet server application installed on a workstation, not just the one supplied with Windows.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to: 'Disabled' or ensure the service is not installed.


Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\System Services\Telnet


Impact:
Remote user Telnet access will not be available.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/1929

Item Details

Category: CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT

References: 800-53|CM-7

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: bd61afd612f4c3552ff860beb24c151ca8abbb26043e2867db73038e57ecd0ad